The community-based micro-wool processing centre was formally inaugurated by Dasho Dzongda, Dzongkhag Administration, Tashigang on the 28th of July, 2019. Officials from Dzongkhag and Gewog Administration along with the members of the women’s group of Gengu attended the opening ceremony. Dasho Dzonga congratulated the women’s group for initiating such a pioneer project which will greatly benefit the entire community of Merak. He emphasised members of the women’s group to strive hard to generate income from wool processing and uphold the ancient tradition and culture of weaving. He also reminded the members of potential to produce and market high quality woollen yarn to other potential buyers and weavers. He assured support of Dzongkha Administration to make the women’s group’s wool processing initiatives economically viable and sustainable.

Recently a micro wool carding and a roving/drawing equipment were successfully installed and commissioned. Project office, CSO Grant Facility, Helvetas, Thimphu has awarded the supply contract to Ms Sherab Enterprise, Thimphu through a competitive bidding process. The members of the woman’s group are excited to see wool processing equipment of this kind for the first time in their life. Each member has agreed to contribute Nu 600 (USD 8) towards meeting the cost of a formal inauguration and opening of the micro wool processing centre. District and local government officials and representative from CSO Facility are expected to grace the opening ceremony scheduled on 28th of July, 2019.

On 4th December,2018 members of the women’s group have gathered for a simple feast inside the newly constructed wool processing shed to celebrate the momentous occasion. More than the number of dishes on the menu, it was an important gathering to reinforce collective action, a sense of community and self-help. A journey begins with a step and the completion of the shed heralds a giant step and a watershed moment.

On 3rd December, 2018, the members of women’s group of Merak came together to celebrate the successful completion of the construction of community-based wool processing shed in a record time. However, the concreting of the floor, electricity and water supply works remain to be taken up later. For now members deserve a well deserved pat on their backs and congratulations.

The next step is to procure, install and commission micro wool processing equipment. Helvetas, Bhutan with the help of a private supplier is already exploring potential suppliers from India or third countries. Can’t wait to see the community-based wool processing centre being operationalized and witness herders taking charge of the facility.

Members of the women group have started collecting stones and digging foundation for the community wool processing centre. The group has hired an excavator and a drum truck to ferry stones from the quarry to the construction site. Forestry permit for timber is under process and members will start collecting timber as soon as it is ready. Talks are underway to get electricity connection from the national grid.

Dasho Dungpa, Sakteng Dungkhag, Tashigang Dzongkhag graced the grounding breaking ceremony for the construction of micro-wool processing centre at Merak on 29th September 2028. Dasho congratulated the women’s group for the successful application for CSO Grant Facility fund support for wool processing. Dasho reminded the members to work collectively for the success of the project. He said their success and good example can spur herders of Sakteng to emulate And bring socioeconomic benefits and women empowerment. Dasho informed the members to contact him or his office for any assistance henceforth.

Today Dasho Dungpa witnessed and opened the actual start of the wool processing construction works.

The architectural drawing of a one storeyed community wool processing centre is ready and a budget of BTN 500,000 is earmarked for constructing the centre. The women’s group members will contribute labour and other in-kind contributions.

Wool processing

A community-based mechanized micro-wool processing centre will be established to improve wool processing efficiency to ensure continuity of ancient culture and tradition of weaving among yak herder women and youth.

Group Savings Scheme

The semi-nomadic yak herder women group started a group savings scheme in October, 2017 under the aegis of Darwin Initiative Project on Sustainable Rangeland Management to protect red pandas and herders’ livelihood. As of September, 2018, there are 88 members and has collected BTN 204700.00. Each member deposits BTN 150 monthly. A onetime membership fee of BTN 500.00 is collected from each member.

Micro-credit/loans

Members can avail a loan up to BTN 30, 000.00 at a nominal interest which must be repaid within a year to roll the money among other members. Loan can be for both consumption and production purposes